Robert Lewandowski Scores Brace, Barcelona Beat Valencia

Striker Robert Lewandowski celebrates the game against Valencia. (X/@FCBarcelona)

JAKARTA - Barcelona fell behind before rising to beat Valencia 2-1 in the first match of La Lga Spattyol at the Mestalla Stadium, Sunday, August 18, 2024 in the morning WIB. Striker Robert Leandowski scored a brace that brought Barca back to three points.

The fierce match had to be played by Barca when they entered the domestic competition. Appearing at home to opponents, Barca were forced to work hard before winning the match.

The success of winning three points became the coach Hansi Flick's sweet debut. Especially after Barca picked up bad results when making final preparations before entering the competition.

How could I not, Barca suffered a 3-0 defeat against Monaco in the Joan Gamper Trophy which was held at the centri home. But Barca were able to show their maximum game after picking up disappointing results in the last warm-up match.

In the first match of the competition, Barca has not been able to field new player Dani Olmo. The reason is, he has not been registered with La Liga so he failed to make his debut. Flick also did not play midfielder Ilkya Gundogan who raised rumors that he would be sold by Barca.

However, the German national team midfielder was forced to miss the inaugural match due to a head injury. The injury was suffered by former Manchester City player against Monaco.

In addition, striker Vitor Roque did not appear in the match against Valencia. Roque will indeed be released by Barca so that he does not enter the team in the first match.

Flick also did not include Fermin Lopez after bringing Spain to gold at the 2024 Olympics. On the other hand, his colleague Pau Cubarsi continued to play in the competition. Even Cubarsi became a starter for a duet with IInigo Mart Marijuez at the heart of defense.

Flick did not make much changes to Barca's squad. Almost all the pillar players this season have returned to the former German national team coach's first choice. However, they really had to work hard to serve Valencia who started quite well.

Appearing at home, Valencia was able to put pressure on the Blaugrana defense. Ruben Baraja's team attack troubled Barca.

Even the hosts managed to take the lead when Hugo Duro found the goal of Marc-Andrr ter Stegen towards the end of the first half.

Only referee Jose Sanchez had time to review the goal through VAR to confirm the possibility of a violation. As a result, no violations and Duro's header were declared clean. Score 1-0 for Los Che

Barca immediately got up and played aggressively in the remaining 45 minutes. Their efforts were not in vain. When entering first-half injury time, Lewandowski managed to equalize. He made good use of the assist from Lamine Yamal.

Lewandowski's goal changed the position to 1-1. The score lasted until the end of the first half.

Entering the second half, Barca played more aggressively. They stepped up the pressure to add goals. Barca's efforts immediately paid off.

The game has only been running for four minutes, Lewandowski has scored his second goal from the penalty spot. Barca were awarded a penalty after defender Crithhian Mosquera brought down Raphinha in the restricted area.

The referee immediately pointed to the spot. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili could actually read Lewandowski's shot. Even the Georgia goalkeeper who is being targeted by Liverpool almost reached the ball.

Unfortunately, the ball kept sliding fast into the net which brought Lewandowski to score a brace. The score changed 2-1 for Barca.

Valencia actually tried to increase attacks to equalize. But their efforts could never come to fruition.

Barca managed to maintain a 2-1 advantage until the end of the match. The victory brought Barca to the top of the standings with Celta Vigo. Both teams won with the same score.

It's just that Celta beat Alaves at home so Barca who had the opportunity to occupy the throne of the standings for winning at home to opponents.